Easter is all about colorful eggs, fluffy bunnies, and, of course, the thrill of discovering what’s inside that Easter basket! But let’s be real—how much candy do kids actually need? If you’re looking for a way to celebrate without the sugar rush (and inevitable crash), a non candy Easter basket is the way to go!
Whether you’re filling baskets for tiny tots, energetic elementary kids, or those ever-so-cool tweens and teens, there are plenty of creative, fun, and practical goodies that will have them just as excited as a chocolate bunny.
If you want to jump ahead to a specific section, click here:
- Non Candy Baskets
- How to make a DIY Easter basket
- Baby & Toddler
- Elementary and Middle School Aged Kids
- Teens & Tweens
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn money from the products mentioned in this post, but this is at no cost to you. You can find my full disclosure HERE.)
WANT TO SAVE THIS FOR LATER? PIN IT TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!⬇
Non Candy Easter Baskets: Think Beyond the Chocolate Bunny
The best part about a non candy Easter basket is that it can be as unique as the child receiving it. Instead of sticking to the usual pastels and plastic grass, think about what your kiddo actually loves.
Are they a little artist? A future scientist? An outdoor explorer?
Building a basket around their interests makes the surprise even more magical. Plus, the best part—no sugar overload or wrappers mysteriously appearing under the couch weeks later.
Get creative with these fun alternatives:
- Rain boots or umbrella – A practical and adorable way to present Easter surprises!
- Beach bucket – Perfect for upcoming summer fun.
- Mini backpacks – A useful choice kids can use all year.
- Toy dump truck – A big hit for little construction lovers.
- Baby/toddler pool – Talk about a big surprise for little kids!
For older kids, maybe try these alternatives instead:
- Sports cooler – Very useful for active teens
- Storage bins – A functional option for organizing after Easter is over.
- Makeup/Accessory organizer – Hanging organizers are great for saving space!
- Tackle box – Very useful if your kid loves the outdoors.
- Laundry basket – If your teen is close to moving out on their own, this would be very practical and much needed. Especially if you choose to fill it with other household items 😛
Now that we’ve got the baskets covered, let’s talk about what to put inside!
How To Make A DIY Easter Basket
Who says an Easter basket has to be… well, a basket? Get creative!
Try creating a DIY non candy Easter basket that matches your child’s personality! Here’s how:
- Pick a fun container – Think beyond the basket! Use a hat, a lunchbox, or even a small suitcase.
- Choose a theme – Sports, arts & crafts, gardening, or favorite characters can guide your basket selections.
- Mix in useful items – Think socks, water bottles, or sunglasses.
- Add an interactive element – Stickers, puzzles, or a scavenger hunt note for extra fun!
- Make it colorful – Bright shredded paper, ribbons, or confetti can add a festive touch!
And don’t forget to add a few playful touches, like a decorative bow, stickers, or a cute name tag to personalize it.
Bonus points if you include something that’s reusable, so the fun lasts long after Easter morning!
Baby & Toddler: Cute, Cuddly, and Safe for Little Hands
For the tiniest bunnies in the bunch, safety and sensory fun are key. Think soft textures, bright colors, and things that crinkle, rattle, or squeak.
Babies love exploring new shapes and sounds, so filling their non candy Easter basket with engaging (and chewable) goodies will keep them entertained long after the Easter egg hunt.
Plus, parents will appreciate gifts that don’t leave them wiping sticky fingers every five minutes!
- Board books– Can’t go wrong with Eric Carle!
- Plush bunnies or chicks
- Teething toys
- Bath toys
- Soft sensory balls
- Stacking cups
- Musical shakers or rattles
- Sippy cups or toddler utensils
- Onesies with cute Easter prints
- Bunny romper – How cute is this!?
- Peek-a-boo fabric books
- Finger puppets
- TOMY Toomies Squeak Toy, Hide & Squeak Eggs
- Socks
- Finger paints
- Personalized wooden puzzle
- Beanie
- Bibs
- Headbands
- Shoes
- Montessori learning toys
- Blocks or DUPLO playset
These little surprises will bring big smiles without the sugar rush!
Elementary and Middle School Aged Kids: Fun, Functional, and Full of Surprises
This is the age where kids are full of energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm for all things Easter!
Whether they love crafting, sports, reading, or outdoor adventures, a non candy Easter basket can be packed with fun finds tailored to their hobbies.
Think interactive, hands-on activities that spark creativity and encourage play. And let’s be honest—if it glows in the dark, makes noise, or has a little bit of mystery to it, they’ll be totally obsessed.
- Fun socks
- Playdough or modeling clay
- Sidewalk chalk
- Slime or putty
- Activity books or puzzles
- Stickers and temporary tattoos
- DIY craft kits
- Hatching dinosaur eggs
- Outdoor toys like jump ropes and kites
- Gardening kits with seeds and mini tools
- Glow-in-the-dark stars
- Stationery
- Easter storybooks
- Bubble bath
- Reward tokens or coupons
- Toy cars
- Board games
- Coloring pencils
- Paint set
- Bath Bombs
- Twistable crayons
- Hair accessories
- Hat
- LEGO
- Pool toys
- Personalized Drink bottle
- Friendship bracelets
- Bubbles
- Moneybox
- Slippers
- Stamp set
- Shaped crayons
- Frisbee
- Football
- Pajamas
- Electric toothbrush
- Swim goggles
- Beach playset
- Slinky
- Magnetic tiles
- Easter jokes
These ideas will keep them entertained long after the Easter egg hunt!
Teens & Tweens: Cool, Trendy, and Actually Exciting
Let’s face it—teens and tweens can be a tough crowd to impress. But with the right mix of trendy and practical, you can create a non candy Easter basket that they won’t just roll their eyes at.
Think stylish accessories, self-care goodies, or fun items they can use with friends. Keeping it cool (and Instagram-worthy) is the secret sauce to winning over this age group.
Older kids might not be as excited about stuffed animals, but they’ll love these cool non-candy Easter treats:
- Gift cards (coffee shops, movie theaters, online stores)
- Journals or planners – Check out these growth mindset journals
- Skincare goodies (face masks, lip balm, bath bombs)
- Funky socks
- Stylish hair accessories
- Cool phone accessories (pop sockets, earbuds, phone charms)
- DIY bracelet-making kits
- Books or graphic novels
- Mini perfumes
- Mini desk games or brain teasers
- Personalized water bottles
- Erasable pens
- Lipgloss
- Nail polish
- Gaming accessories
- Bath bombs
- Shower gel
- Hair gel
- Magazines
- Diamond painting kit
- Sketchbook and charcoals
- Manicure set
- Washi tape
- Funny card games like Exploding Kittens
- Beach towel
- Craft kits
- Funny slogan t-shirt
- DVDs
- Scratch off tickets
- iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Prime Music gift card
- Sunglasses
- Headphones
- Hair treatment
- Earrings – There are lots of cute Easter earrings on Etsy
- Watch
- Fitness tracker
- Reed diffuser
- Wallet or purse
- Yoyo
- Movie tickets
- Dual tip journalling pens
Who says Easter baskets are just for little kids? These ideas will make sure tweens and teens don’t feel left out!
What are your favorite non-candy Easter basket ideas?
So, there you have it—endless ways to fill an Easter basket without a single chocolate bunny or jellybean in sight. Whether you’re making a basket for a tiny tot, an adventurous kid, or a too-cool-for-school teen, the best part is seeing their face light up when they open their unique, thoughtful surprises.
Share your favorite ideas in the comments below!
Happy Easter and happy basket-filling!
I’d love to hear from you!
Please be sure to add me on Instagram and Facebook and tag me if I’ve inspired your Easter baskets! I can’t wait to see the fun!
RELATED
